DNA & Genealogy

Once you've decided to test your DNA as a part of your family history research, and which person to test and which test type, the next consideration is which DNA testing company to use.

This guide applies specifically to autosomal DNA tests with matching databases, and is from the perspective of testers living in Australia & New Zealand, although most of it is general to all testers.

As a brief reminder, anyone can do an autosomal DNA test, and it can match you with relatives on all ancestral lines. It is most accurate for very close relatives and those in more recent generations, although it can also be very effective in connecting with more distant cousins. Autosomal DNA test results also include admixture/ethnicity estimates.

The information shared below is from my personal experience as a genetic genealogist who has tested multiple family members at each of the companies listed below (at my own cost). The information is intended to help you select the most appropriate test for your circumstances and make a positive start on your DNA testing adventure! The fast growth and interest in genetic genealogy means that the products, features, prices and third-party tools change very rapidly, so I update this page constantly! This site includes some affiliate adverts/links which may result in me receiving a small credit if you click through and make a purchase, but will not affect the price you pay.

The DNA testing companies

There are five direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies available for genealogical purposes (matching relatives):

Testing Goals

If you are not yet familiar with genetic genealogy, you might be wondering why it is so incredibly popular? DNA testing can be amazingly powerful for family history research, and different testers may have different goals. As well as revealing ethnicity estimates - which are very popular in the general community, we can connect with cousins to share research or swap old family photos, we can check our existing research for accuracy (confirm or disprove relationships), check the accuracy of family stories, investigate (hopefully solve) long-standing research brick walls and family mysteries, discover branches of your tree not found through regular research, identify places of origin of our ancestors, determine if people who share the same surname are related, identify biological relatives (if unknown), or you may simply be curious to see what your DNA reveals.

Unknown Parentage

If you are adopted, donor-conceived, a foundling, a war baby, a child migrant, of unknown parentage for any reason, or the cost is not a consideration - and you are primarily testing to identify parents or close biological family, then it is recommended that you test with all the major companies to maximise your exposure and connections to biological relatives in all the international databases.

If funds are limited, start by testing with AncestryDNA first then do the free transfers of your raw data file to Family Tree DNA to obtain your closest matches in the Family Finder database, and to MyHeritage DNA, to Living DNA and to GEDmatch. Depending on your initial matching success in these popular databases, you can then consider further testing or upgrades (eg. test at 23andMe; upgrade from a transfer to a full test; consider a Y-DNA test for males with unknown paternity; consider mtDNA if needed to confirm maternal relationships).

Research Considerations

When selecting a testing company, consider your research goals, proposed test types, who you want to match with and which database they might be more likely to be in. Test with your preferred company and then you can transfer your data to the free GEDmatch site once you get your results.

If you test at one company and a relative tests at another company, you can both upload your raw data files from the different testing companies to GEDmatch to compare your results.

If you can only afford one test, do that test then upload your DNA data file to GEDmatch, and also take advantage of any free transfers to get your DNA into other databases. Note that AncestryDNA and 23andMe do not accept transfers inwards, so you need to test directly with them to get your DNA into their databases.

What do you get?

Matches to other people who have also tested at the same company, and are related in recent generations. Close family matches are very accurate.

Raw data file of your results. This is a text file containing about 700,000 rows of numbers and letters, and is about 6MB in size when zipped. Save a copy to your computer, and you can use it to upload to other testing companies and sites offering third party tools.

Features & Prices

Database size and makeup

AncestryDNA has the largest database containing more than 14 million people. The AncestryDNA test was only available in the US until 2015, resulting in a large proportion of testers from the USA. AncestryDNA launched in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada during 2015 and in more countries during 2016. The number of matches from Australia, New Zealand, UK and Ireland is increasing and results are becoming very productive for many testers.

Family Tree DNA's autosomal DNA database is considerably smaller than AncestryDNA's, around one million, but its Family Finder test has always been very popular and accessible internationally. It has been available outside the US since 2010, so many Australians, New Zealanders, British and Irish participants tested with Family Tree DNA's Family Finder long before AncestryDNA was available. FTDNA also has hundreds of thousands of Y-DNA and mtDNA customers who tested their Y-DNA and/or mtDNA up to 18 years ago, and whose stored samples could potentially be used to test their autosomal DNA if they haven't already (some of those testers are now deceased so can't be tested elsewhere). Family Tree DNA also accepts transfers inwards from AncestryDNA, 23andMe and MyHeritage DNA. Whichever testing route you take, it is worth getting your autosomal DNA into FTDNA's Family Finder database, either by testing with them directly or via their free transfer.

23andMe's database contains over 6 million testers. Many testers use 23andMe primarily for health reports, so not all will opt-in to the genealogy results (DNA Relatives), and additionally testers are required to share their DNA data to enable comparisons. 23andMe launched in the UK and Canada in late 2014. They still sell their kits to Australia & NZ from the US, even though at one stage they expressed interest in selling DNA kits directly in Australia. No health reports are available to Australian & New Zealand customers. 23andMe is often considered to have the best ethnicity estimates, and the best tools for examining ethnicity results (including visually in a chromosome browser), but it can depend on the population group of interest.

MyHeritage DNA's database has exceeded 1.9 million testers, and is growing very quickly. New matches are appearing who haven't tested at any other companies. MyHeritage DNA opened transfers inwards from other testing companies in mid-2016 (free), and started selling their own test kits from November 2016. They now also accept transfers inwards from 23andMe and Living DNA. MyHeritage reports having more than 100 million members, so their DNA database will continue to grow be very useful as they implement more tools and sharing features. In January 2018, MyHeritage DNA released a major update of their matching algorithm resulting in more accurate matches and ten times as many matches than were previously reported (also due to lowered thresholds). Although autosomal DNA transfers inwards from other companies are still free, changes are due to be announced on 1 December 2018 that will result in some changes and some charges for certain features, so if you've tested elsewhere, get your DNA transferred into MyHeritage now to get existing features included for free.

Living DNA launched its test late in 2016, and since then has been regularly phasing in new product features. It offers ancestral breakdowns into 80 worldwide regions, and is very popular with people of British origins, as it includes 21 British regions. Living DNA's new One Family One World project is developing reference databases for many more worldwide regions over the next few years, and is inviting new participants to upload their existing test data for free, and offering discounted tests for eligible testers from particular regions. Living DNA results also include mtDNA and Y-DNA haplogroup predictions. Living DNA's new customer DNA Matching feature, Family Networks, is due to be launched very soon (late 2018). Raw data can be downloaded for use with third party tools and for transfers. Living DNA has partnered with FindMyPast, so Living DNA kits can now be purchased from the FindMyPast website (and new integrations are expected to be forthcoming).

FindMyPast DNA launched in November 2018, selling Living DNA kits under FindMyPast branding. In the coming months, the integration between Living DNA and FindMyPast will allow you to link your family tree and records to your DNA profile.

Family Trees

AncestryDNA's best asset is their huge collection of member trees that can be linked to DNA accounts. AncestryDNA cleverly attempts to match DNA and family trees for the user, providing a range of connection 'hints' based on similarities in the trees of your DNA matches. Note that trees need to be public to access some of the hint features. You can link each DNA test to only one tree at a time, but it can be linked to any tree that you created or a tree that is shared with you. You can link multiple different testers to the one tree.

Family Tree DNA offers a free family tree for each tester account. FTDNA's family tree system enables linking DNA tests of known or confirmed relatives/matches to your tree, which generates matches in the 'Paternal', 'Maternal' and 'Both' tabs on the Family Finder match results page, based on a sophisticated segment-matching algorithm. The more relatives who test and are linked in your tree (via easy drag and drop), the more (often unknown) matches will be sorted into paternal and maternal sides of your trees, which is useful if your parents are unavailable to test.

23andMe no longer includes an integrated family tree, but testers can now include a link (URL) to their family tree hosted on another site, such as at Ancestry, FindMyPast, MyHeritage, FamilySearch, Wikitree, Geni or Rootsweb.

MyHeritage offers free family trees for up to 250 people. Once you reach 250 people in your tree, you need to either delete some people or subscribe, or your tree will be locked and become inaccessible until you subscribe. DNA tests are linked to the tester in a tree. The Review Match page now shows a pedigree view of matches who have a public tree.

Living DNA has partnered with FindMyPast, and plans to combine DNA technology and family history records in a way not seen before. You can now build your family tree in FindMyPast and order Living DNA kits through FindMyPast DNA. You will soon be able to link your FindMyPast family tree and records to your DNA profile.

Subscriptions

Family Tree DNA and 23andMe do not require subscriptions - the once-off purchase price of your test includes lifetime account access and upgrades of results.

AncestryDNA does not require a subscription to purchase a DNA test or to view your results or contact matches, but it does require a subscription to access its most useful tree matching features, and to view your matches' family trees. You can contact DNA matches through Ancestry's messaging system without a subscription.

MyHeritage DNA does not require a subscription to purchase a DNA test or to view your results or contact matches. You may need a subscription to view more than one Shared Match and the full ethnicity of each match, and to view matches' full trees and access MyHeritage's record collections and Smart Matches.

Living DNA does not require any subscription, but their partner FindMyPast requires a subscription to access genealogical records.

Both 23andMe and Living DNA's 3-in-1 test provide haplogroup predictions in their results - Y-DNA (for males only) and mtDNA for all.

FindMyPast DNA is an autosomal DNA test, with optional add-ons for deep ancestry (Y-DNA and mtDNA).

Family Tree DNA sells detailed Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA tests as well as their autosomal DNA test (ie. called Family Finder). Multiple test types can be administered in one account (eg. Family Finder, Y-DNA, mtDNA), and the Advanced Matches tool can be used to look for matches across the different test types.

Tools & data

AncestryDNA's tools include Shared Ancestor Hints, DNA Circles, New Ancestor Discoveries, and Migrations (previously called Genetic Communities). The first three of these require a subscription. AncestryDNA does not provide customers with tools to examine their shared DNA segments - such as a chromosome browser. AncestryDNA customers can transfer their raw DNA data file to GEDmatch to use their analysis tools.

FTDNA provides a range of tools including a 7-person chromosome browser, ICW and NICW (in-common-with and not-in-common-with) for all matches, a Matrix tool, a range of search options and filters, Advanced Matching ( to identify atDNA matches sharing the same Y-DNA or mtDNA, or in the same FTDNA project groups), and ability to download all matches and chromosome data to spreadsheets. The free transfer to FTDNA doesn't provide access to all features/tools, but they can be unlocked for US$19.

23andMe provides a range of tools, including a chromosome browser (that also shows ethnicity segments!), Shared Matches, shared ethnicities, and a great range of search options and filters. Some tools require that matches agree to share their DNA information before you can see it.

MyHeritage DNA provides a range of sort and search filters and options, and also shows Shared DNA Matches, shared surnames, shared ethnicities, and a chromosome browser capable of comparing up to 7 matches, which highlights triangulated segments, and with the ability to download the chromosome match data.

Living DNA raw data files can be downloaded. The autosomal data can be used in GEDmatch Genesis. Family Networks is in Beta, with new features being added gradually. It will have all the usual tools such as a chromosome browser, plus custom tags for matches.

All companies allow a copy of your raw DNA data file to be downloaded, for transfers to other companies and for use with third party tools.

Contact & profiles

AncestryDNA testers can choose whether to display their usernames, initials or real names to their DNA matches. If a tester's kit is managed by someone else, only their initials will be displayed, along with the manager's username. No email addresses are visible, so messages can only be sent through Ancestry's messaging system.

23andMe testers can choose whether to display their real names or initials to their DNA matches. No email addresses are visible, so messages can only be sent through 23andMe's messaging system.

MyHeritage testers can choose whether to display their real name or an alias to their DNA matches. No email addresses are visible, so messages can only be sent through MyHeritage's messaging system.

Test kit & DNA sample

All test kits are very easy and straight-forward to use.

Family Tree DNA and MyHeritage DNA use a cotton-toothed swab to scrape cheek cells - very easy sample collection for any age or circumstances. As long as they are kept out of extreme conditions, these kits can have a long shelf-life (often years), but it is best to use them as soon as you can.

Living DNA uses an easy cheek swab kit that contains no preservative liquid - a bit like a mascara, where you just snap the swab-on-a-stick back into the tube after testing. Living DNA requires their kits to be returned within 6 months.

FindMyPast DNA uses Living DNA kits (see above).

AncestryDNA and 23andMe use a saliva sample collection kit, which requires the tester to spit into a tube. Most people have no difficulty, but if you are intending to test an infant, an elderly person, or someone in poor health, be aware that they may find it difficult to produce enough saliva for a sample (dribble is no good, it must be saliva). Some medications can cause dryness of the mouth and make it very difficult for some people to produce saliva. To avoid wasting a saliva kit, see if elderly or infirm testers can spit into a small clean medicine cup first. Then if they can produce saliva you can simply decant it into the collection tube, but if they can't produce any saliva, you know to use a cheek swab test kit on them instead, and you can allocate your unused saliva test kit to someone else. 23andMe kits have an expiry date on the collection tube, and are required to be returned within about 6 months.

If ever you receive a test kit that has been damaged or the preservative liquid has leaked or dried out, contact the testing company and they will send a replacement kit. Before use, store your DNA kits sensibly, ie. not in a hot car or near windows receiving direct sunlight.

Note that DNA samples are stored at the company where you initially test, so if you first test elderly or infirm relatives at AncestryDNA, 23andMe or MyHeritage and later decide you want to test their mtDNA and/or Y-DNA at FTDNA, their DNA sample will not be available for FTDNA to use, so do not leave it too late to get samples to FTDNA for additional test types.

Affordability

Autosomal DNA test prices have been gradually reducing, and now range from approximately A$120 to A$199, even less during sales. See the detailed pricing tables further below and check for DNA test sales and discounts. There is so much competition between DNA testing companies now that the initial test prices might carry less weight in your selection criteria. The prices of some tests require no further payments and include the use of all features and analysis tools. Other companies' tests include your DNA results but require membership subscriptions to use additional features, so ensure you are aware of any additional or ongoing costs that you might not be expecting.

If price is your main concern, and/or you want to test as many relatives as possible, customers in Australia & NZ will find that FTDNA's Family Finder is usually the cheapest, but you can choose whichever is cheapest at the time. If value is more important, ie. getting your DNA into as many databases as possible for the least possible cost, then you would test first at AncestryDNA and then transfer into to Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage DNA and Living DNA.

If you are not interested in genealogy or ethnicity/admixture, but simply want to test two people to determine if and how they are related (eg. parent-child; sibling/half-sibling), then two Family Finder tests is an economical way to get an accurate answer. In the US where test prices are significantly cheaper, or if other tests are on sale, you could use any of the major testing companies that have a matching database. If you expect the result to be negative and want to keep searching for your biological relatives, consider using AncestryDNA so that your DNA is in the biggest matching database.

MyHeritage DNA has remained at a reduced price since it launched, however, consider that you may require a membership subscription to view more than a limited amount of match information (eg. non-subscribers who test at MyHeritage only see one Shared Match, one main ethnicity category, and only a small part of the match's tree). Shipping charges have recently been increased and MyHeritage no longer offers significantly-reduced or free shipping for multiple kits in one order. While transfers inwards from other testing companies are still free, this is the best way to get the most out of MyHeritage DNA matching.

AncestryDNA has recently reduced its price to be more competitive, but consider that you might also need or prefer an ongoing subscription to exploit its best features (you can subscribe monthly or just occasionally rather than ongoing). If you have unknown parentage and can only afford one test, then test first with AncestryDNA if possible, then do the free transfers to Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage DNA, Living DNA and GEDmatch.

Living DNA is excellent value for its unique high-definition British regional breakdowns that you can't get elsewhere, and it also provides Y-DNA and/or mtDNA haplogroup predictions. It's exciting customer matching feature will be launched very soon! Ancestral breakdowns will be updated automatically as new reference population databases are developed as part of their One Family One World project. The test is a once-off cost that does not require a subscription. Living DNA kits are also sold through their partner FindMyPast, although the Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroup results are an optional extra.

FindMyPast DNA is a cheaper version of the Living DNA test, including family matching, but not deep ancestry (Y-DNA and mtDNA are optional extras).

23andMe has has reduced its international price, but shipping is expensive and GST is now added, making it the most expensive test for Australians and New Zealanders. For customers in the USA, and now the UK, Canada and Europe, 23andMe now offers an Ancestry-only product (with no health reports) for a cheaper price than their combined Ancestry & Health test. 23andMe uses international couriers for shipping. 23andMe kits are also sold in selected pharmacies in the US and UK, and also on Amazon US (but they will not ship them to Australia/NZ).

Some companies offer shipping discounts on additional kits in the same order to the same address.

Shipping

Family Tree DNA sends their kits via regular post, so your kits will arrive in your letterbox in a small plastic envelope, with your regular mail. If you order multiple kits around the same time or in one order, they usually arrive together in one larger plastic envelope. Kits purchased from FTDNA usually take around 2 weeks to arrive at Australian addresses, although they can take a few weeks longer after big sales. FTDNA charges US$12.95 per kit for shipping. A small, pre-addressed padded envelope is supplied in each kit for you to return your samples to Houston, Texas USA. You can post your kit back to the USA as a letter for A$2.95. You may be required to complete and affix a small customs sticker to the return envelope. When filling it out, described the contents as 'Genealogy Kit', and don't forget to sign it. Kits sent back to FTDNA usually arrive in a couple of weeks, but when they are busy (eg. after big sales), delays may occur before the kits are checked-in on their system. You can check your Order Status in your online account at any time after purchasing.

AncestryDNA sends their kits via Australia Post Parcel Post, so your kit will arrive in an Australia Post satchel. Sometimes a signature is required upon delivery, other times they leave it in your letterbox or other safe place if you are not at home. AncestryDNA charges A$29.99 shipping per kit, or if you purchase two or more kits in same order to the same address, additional kits after the first one are charged at A$10 shipping each. Your parcel will include one pre-paid return-addressed Parcel Post satchel, so once you've done the test, put your sample box in the satchel and simply drop it into any red Australia Post box in Australia. If you order multiple kits in one order with reduced shipping, you will only receive one return-paid satchel, so if you can't return them all at the same time, you will need to pay postage to return the additional kits. To return additional kits separately, you can purchase an Australia Post Parcel Post 500g satchel for $8.50, or use your own packaging or the sample box itself and pay by size and weight. Although AncestryDNA kits come from the USA, they are sent out from Minchinbury, NSW, so they will usually arrive within a week (Ancestry says to allow 7-14 days). The return parcel is sent back to NSW, from where it is sent to the USA for processing. If you record the tracking number off the label before you post it, you can monitor the tracking back to NSW on the Australia Post website. Depending on how busy they are, it can take AncestryDNA a few weeks to acknowledge receipt of your returned kit. As long as you follow the instructions and Activate your kit before posting it, you can monitor your order progress online from the DNA tab in your Ancestry account.

23andMe ships their kits to Australia via economy international courier, delivered locally by Australia Post (requiring a signature on delivery). Standard shipping to Australia for one kit, taking up to 20 business days, costs US$39.99 (approx A$55); Express shipping to Australia for one kit, taking up to 12 business days, costs US$58.99 (approx A$80); 23andMe offers 20% off additional kits in the same order to the same address but the higher shipping charges negate most of the discount; Shipping for two kits in the same order to the same address costs US$102.99 (approx A$140); Shipping for three kits in the same order to the same address costs US$146.99 (approx A$200). A return-paid courier satchel is included, requiring a call to the courier to collect it, or you can drop-off it off at a local affiliated depot (depending on the courier's services in your area). If you purchase multiple kits and want to return them at different times or from different locations, it may be wise to order the kits separately so you receive a return-paid courier satchel with each kit.

MyHeritage DNA charges A$22.99 per kit for Standard shipping (8-12 business days) or A$48.99 per kit for Expedited shipping (4-5 business days). Note that the price goes up or down by a dollar or so with exchange rate fluctuations. There is only a small reduction in shipping if multiple kits are added to the same order (eg. $2 off for two kits, or $3 off per kit for three or more kits). Their kit boxes are delivered in a plastic satchel. A small, pre-addressed padded envelope is supplied in each kit for you to return your samples to Houston, Texas, USA. You can post your kit back to the USA as a letter for A$2.95. You may be required to complete and affix a small customs sticker to the return envelope. When filling it out, described the contents as 'Genealogy Kit', and don't forget to sign it. Kits sent back to MyHeritage DNA usually take about two weeks, but may take longer after sales, and delays may occur before the kits are checked-in on their system. You can check your kit's status in your online account at any time after purchasing, by clicking on the DNA tab in your MyHeritage account, then click on Manage DNA Kits.

Living DNA offers two levels of shipping to Australia - standard shipping for A$14.95, which takes a few weeks, and Express Shipping for A$69.95, which takes just a few days. A Reply-Paid International satchel is included in each kit to return your sample to Denmark. After placing your sample in the satchel as per the instructions and sealing it, sign the customs sticker on the front of the return satchel, and simply drop your satchel into any red post box in Australia. There is no need to go to a post office - and if you do the employees may insist on charging you unnecessarily - although you may choose to pay for an express service to speed up the return shipping. By dropping the satchel into a red Australia Post box, it should arrive back at the lab in Denmark in about three or four weeks.

Printed Books

Living DNA offers an optional extra printed personalised ancestry book outlining your tester's ancestry. The book can be ordered at the time of purchase of the DNA test, or it can be ordered later on by contacting Living DNA's Help Centre. Allow 4-6 weeks after your results are ready before the book is ready for despatch. The cost of the personalised book depends on your geographic region (£39, €59, US$69, C$79, A$79, NZ$79), and it includes free standard shipping. A great gift idea, but if you are ordering it for a special occasion, allow plenty of extra time for the testing, results, book production and shipping.

23andMe customers can now create a hardcover book called The Story of Your DNA, which includes your Ancestry Composition, your Neanderthal ancestry, the traits you share with your DNA Relatives, and details of what your DNA says about your roots across the globe. 23andMe customers can order this keepsake for themselves, or in the near future they will be able to order a gift for a friend or family member with whom they are sharing their DNA results.

Third party tools

Regardless of which testing company you select, once you get your results you can download a copy of your raw DNA data file from your testing company account, and upload it to a free site called Gedmatch, where you can compare your DNA to testers from other companies who have also uploaded to GEDmatch - it is a great way to find new matches and to use GEDmatch's range of analysis tools and reports. GEDmatch accepts DNA data from AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and also from some health testing companies. Living DNA and the newer 23andMe V5 kits can be uploaded to Gedmatch Genesis for comparison with other testers (this is a separate database at Gedmatch, specifically for tests run using the latest GSA chip, but earlier kits can now be uploaded to the Genesis database as well, and all will be migrated across and merged into Genesis).

Other third party tools, websites, and software include: DNAGedcom, DNAGedcom Client, Genome Mate Pro, Double Match Triangulator, DNA Painter, What are the odds? (WATO), DNAGen.net, Visual Networking, and many more.

AncestryDNA has a Migrations/Genetic Communities feature to help identify which of your matches come from the same regions, and its DNA Circles may also provide opportunities for relatives to contact each other and collaborate with research on particular branches of their tree.

Facebook groups - many surname projects and/or regional DNA projects have dedicated Facebook groups for those projects, so search for your surname/location + DNA in the Facebook search box to see if there are any you can join.

Ethnicity/Admixture

If you are only interested in discovering your ethnic makeup but not your genealogy, all companies include ethnic/admixture predictions with their autosomal DNA tests.

Be aware that you will probably get different results from each company, as they use different reference population samples, different regional definitions/cluster boundaries, different time periods (anywhere from 200 to 2000 years ago), and different algorithms.

AncestryDNA displays its ethnicity estimate and Migrations/Genetic Communities in a combined DNA Story feature. These migration regions are predicted to be from 'hundreds of years ago', whereas their ethnicity estimates could be from much further back (see detailed List of Regions).

Many testers prefer 23andMe for their detailed ethnicity predictions, which are provided at three levels: standard, conservative and speculative, and they display ethnicity segment information in a chromosome browser view. 23andMe provides a timeline showing when the predicted ethnicities were likely to have been introduced into your ancestry. Your 23andMe ethnicity segment data can be downloaded and uploaded to DNA Painter.

Testers with British ancestry will be excited by Living DNA's test that provides regional breakdowns into 80 worldwide regions including 21 British regions. More regional breakdowns are currently being developed, including for Ireland, Germany and later Scotland, and existing test results will be updated automatically as these are implemented. Living DNA also provides a simulation showing your regional changes over time, and now also provide family ancestry map results at three different levels of certainty: complete, standard and cautious. View my Living DNA results.

The testing companies are regularly reviewing, updating and evolving their products, reference databases, regions and algorithms over time, so any results you get now will be automatically updated later.

Regardless of which company you choose, you can also upload your raw data to GEDmatch to experiment with their free Admixture tools, and compare your data with ancient DNA sample kits.

Autosomal DNA transfers

Family Tree DNA's Autosomal Transfer Program accepts transfers inwards of autosomal DNA raw data results files from AncestryDNA, 23andMe (V3, V4) and MyHeritage DNA. Note that you are not removing or deleting anything from your existing testing company, you are simply downloading a copy of your raw data results file from your testing company account and uploading it to FTDNA. You can transfer to FTDNA's Family Finder for free to see just your closest matches and to access the In Common With (ICW), Not In Common With (NICW) and Matrix tools. For US$19 you can unlock the full features of Family Finder - including the chromosome browser, your myOrigins ethnicity estimate, ancientOrigins, and advanced family matching (paternal, maternal tab matches). FTDNA's Autosomal Transfer Program will soon be accepting transfers from the more recent Genographic Project tests too. For details about matches included in the free transfers of different test versions, refer to Should you upgrade your Family Finder transfer?

MyHeritage DNA accepts transfers inwards of raw DNA data files from AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA and 23andMe (including V5 kits). Transfers to MyHeritage DNA will continue to be free until 16 December 2018, but thereafter a charge may be applied for transfers or certain features (details not yet released).

Living DNA is accepting free transfers inwards from other testing companies as part of its One Family One World project and through FindMyPast. Living DNA raw data files can be downloaded, and can be uploaded to Gedmatch Genesis to compare with others in that database (note that all GEDmatch kits, both origin and Genesis, will soon be merged into one large database).

Test kit administration

At Family Tree DNA, each person who provides a DNA sample has a separate account - with their own unique kit number and password for logging in, and the different test types for that person are managed from within that one account. If you administer kits for many relatives, you either need to login to each kit separately as required, or you can apply for a personal project to administer all your kits from one login. If you share administration with another relative, they can either login to the accounts directly, or you could nominate them as a co-administrator of your project so they get their own project account login.

At AncestryDNA, each new tester is required to activate their own DNA test in their own Ancestry account. Up until 18 July 2017, multiple tests could be activated and administered in the one Ancestry account, and these will remain accessible to the administrator. If you order tests for others, regardless of who pays for them, the tester will be the Owner of their DNA and will be requested to activate their DNA kit in their own Ancestry account. If they don't already have an Ancestry account, they will be required to register a new account. After activation in their own account, the tester can then choose to invite you to be a Viewer or Collaborator, and subsequently upgrade you to a Manager if desired.

23andMe allows for administration of multiple DNA tests from within one account login, but kits can't be accessed by more than one administrator.

MyHeritage DNA allows for administration of multiple DNA tests from within one account login, but kits can't be accessed by more than one administrator.

Living DNA allows for administration of multiple DNA tests from within one account login as long as the administrator has legal rights to manage a kit for another person; otherwise kits for other relatives must be activated under a new account. Kits in one account cannot be accessed by more than one administrator.

Activation

Family Tree DNA accounts are created and linked to the person testing during purchase, so no further activation is required. Note that you can still change the tester’s details in their online account after purchase, which may be required if you use the test on a different person. You can also order spare test kits in your own name and later change the account name and details to those of the tester. Changes will be reflected overnight. You can't change the tester's gender in your online account, but you can select it on the green authorisation form that you send back with the sample, or you can contact FTDNA who will change the gender for you.

AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA and Living DNA kits all require activation at the time of testing, to provide a link between the sample and the person who has tested, via their online account. The samples will not be processed in the lab unless they have been activated, and may even be discarded if not activated, as the lab cannot otherwise know who provided the sample. If you accidentally post your sample without activating your test first, you can still activate it later if you kept your box and instructions, as the activation code is normally printed elsewhere in your kit (eg. Ancestry prints the Activation code on the back of their instruction leaflet; the other companies usually print the TestId or activation code on the test kit box, instruction sheet, or on stickers on the swab packets).

Sharing DNA results

At Family Tree DNA, you can share a tester's kit number and password with the tester and administrator, and perhaps an additional family member for backup as well (in case a tester or administrator passes away). You can also add multiple email addresses to FTDNA accounts, as either Primary or Secondary email addresses, or both (Primary emails receive all notifications from FTDNA, including new matches; Secondary emails are a backup). Any number of relatives can receive email notifications from FTDNA, and some FTDNA results and tree pages can be shared by clicking on the Share icon. If you manage FTDNA kits for multiple relatives, you can apply for your own private project from which you can manage all the kits from the one account/login.

AncestryDNA results can be shared by administrators to testers and other friends, relatives or helpers as required. From the DNA Settings page, usernames or email addresses can be entered to send an invitation to anyone to share DNA results, as a Viewer, Collaborator or Manager. An Ancestry account is required to view shared results (registration is free), and matches trees will not be visible without a subscription. You can also share your AncestryDNA ethnicity results to your friends on social media.

23andMe enables sharing of genomes by sending an invitation to other 23andMe account holders, but you can't view their matches, only any shared DNA segments in the chromosome browser view. You can register and manage kits for multiple relatives in the one account if you have their permission/legal authority.

MyHeritage DNA includes sharing buttons to share ethnicity results on Twitter or Facebook, but does not yet offer any match or account sharing functionality.

Living DNA includes a simple sharing widget in each tester's account, so you can drag and drop the desired results to share with family and friends via Twitter, Facebook or a URL. View my Living DNA results produced by the sharing widget (note that results for males also include their Y-DNA haplogroup).

Privacy & Match Visibility

Family Tree DNA allows you to turn on or turn off the visibility of your matches (Account Settings > Match & Email Settings). This means that you won't be able to see any people who share DNA with you, and they won't be able to see you in their match list. You can select different settings for each of your test types (eg. Family Finder, Y-DNA, mtDNA).

AncestryDNA allows you to opt in or opt out of seeing your DNA matches and being listed as a match to others (DNA Settings > Privacy > DNA Matches). If you opt out, you won't see who you match, and matches will not see you in their match list.

23andMe allows you to opt in or opt out of DNA Relatives (Settings > Privacy & Sharing > DNA Relatives). If you opt out, you won't see who you match, and your matches will not see you in their match list.

Genealogy DNA testing company main features

Family Tree DNA

History: Since 2000; the first genealogy DNA testing company for consumers.

Lab location: Houston, Texas, USA

Database: International. Also contains some kits transferred from other testing companies.

Family Tree: Yes, one myFamilyTree per tester's account; Upload a Gedcom or build/edit your tree manually; Link your known or confirmed DNA-tested relatives to your trees; Trees can be Private or Public; Global public search (box at top left of FTDNA web pages).

Shipping: Standard shipping to Australia, 20 business days - US$39.99 (approx AU$55); Express shipping to Australia, 12 business days - US$58.99 (approx A$80);20% off additional kits in the same order to the same address (each extra kit US$119.20);Shipping for two kits in the same order to the same address: US$102.99 (approx A$140);Shipping for three kits in the same order to the same address: US$146.99 (approx A$200).

Tools: Yes, a chromosome browser, but only usable on matches who have accepted your invitation to share genomes or those who have opted in to Open Sharing.

Downloads: Raw data downloadable for use with external tools, including GEDmatch.

Match details: Match name (if their profile is set to public); Many matches are anonymous so no details are visible, and some cannot be contacted; No email addresses - you must invite matches to share using 23andMe's messaging system; (Optional: ancestral surnames; family tree).

Shipping: Shipping for Australia & New Zealand is AU$29.99 per kit (includes a return-paid satchel); $10 per kit for additional kits in the same order to the same address (only one return-paid satchel is included; you can return multiple kits in the same satchel, or you can post kits back separately if needed; $8.50 for a 500g Parcel Post satchel). If the voucher box is active/visible in the checkout, use code FREESHIPDNA to reduce the shipping by $9.95.

Sample: Saliva sample - infants, the elderly or infirm may find it difficult to produce saliva.

Specials: Yes, occasionally. Look for banners on the Ancestry website.

Tools: Shared Ancestor Hints (tree matching), DNA Circles, New Ancestor Discoveries. No analysis tools provided. The Ancestry trees of DNA matches are compared and suggestions are made based on similarities in trees, surnames and locations.

Downloads: Raw data downloadable for use with external tools, GEDmatch, and transfer to FTDNA.

Health Reports: No, but you can upload your raw data to Promethease.com for US$5.

Subscription: An Ancestry subscription is required to access some features. You can purchase DNA tests, contact your matches and access your raw data without a subscription, but a subscription is required to view your matches' trees, to see shared surnames & birth locations, and to see Shared Ancestor Hints, DNA Circles and New Ancestor Discoveries (NADs). The cheapest Ancestry AU subscription is $179.99 per year or $21.99 per month. There is no reduced-price DNA Insights subscription for Australia. See more information on AncestryDNA with and without an Ancestry subscription. After activating their kits, friends and relatives can add you as a Guest or Editor of their DNA results, so you can access their results and assist them if needed. As part of the Christmas Sale, there is currently 20% Off Ancestry Gift Subscriptions: from A$109.99 - offer ends 11:59pm AEDT 25 Dec 2018. Ancestry Free Trials are also available (if you don't wish to continue after the trial ends, remember to cancel it to avoid being billed automatically).

Living DNA

Family Tree: No, but recently partnered with FindMyPast, so integrations are likely to be forthcoming.

Test types: Autosomal DNA, plus selected Y-DNA and mtDNA SNPs tested.

Ethnic makeup: Yes, 80 worldwide regions, including 21 British regions, with more under development including Irish, German and Scottish regions; results will be updated automatically.

Regular Price: A$149 in Australia; NZ$149 in NZ; £99 in the UK; US$99 in USA; C$159 in Canada; €99 in Europe (plus shipping).

Shipping: A$14.95 Standard Delivery to Australia (14-20 working days); A$69.95 Premium Delivery to Australia (5-7 working days).A Reply-Paid International satchel is included to return your sample to Denmark.

So, which company do I choose?

Consider all the features, pros and cons above, and your goals, and see what is most important to you.

If you are just venturing into genetic genealogy for the first time and after reading all of the above you still don't really know what to do or where to start, or you are just curious about what your DNA might reveal, simply start by ordering either an AncestryDNA kit, a Family Finder kit or a MyHeritage DNA kit, and see where it takes you and who it matches you with. If you have British ancestry and you are more interested in a detailed breakdown of where you came from in the last couple of hundred years, start with a Living DNA test - their family matching is just launching too!

Regardless of where you test, you will be embarking on an exciting adventure in a strange new world.

Many keen genealogists test themselves at all available testing companies - for interest, experience and exposure to all databases. Ideally you will get more matches in the biggest databases (although not necessarily closer matches), but now that transfer options and third party tools are available and more are certain to emerge, test at the company that suits your needs and goals initially, and transfer your data to make the most of additional databases and utilities. As you learn more, you may want to try other test types, other test companies, and test additional family members.

The genetic genealogy industry is moving at a very fast pace, so I update this page often.

Facebook groups are a great resource for learning, observing, asking questions and for general or technical support. There are so many people in these friendly groups who understand how overwhelming genetic genealogy can be for beginners:

I really love the way you have not only provided us with the names and features of the companies offering DNA Tests but also the prices they charge. This really helps me in deciding what company should I prefer according to both, my needs and my affordability. Thank you for taking your time out and sharing this with us.

susan

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I would like to have testing done but very confused on who to go with. Money is a big issue too. I have a friend who went with 23 and me, we think we are related somehow. Do i need to go with the same company as her? Family tree dna seems to be the cheapest but would they match us if we are related?

Craig Smith

Hi Susan

You do not need to test at the same company as your friend. There is a free DNA comparison site called GEDMatch (https://www.gedmatch.com/). You can download results from any of the main providers and upload them to GEDMatch to compare matches and see if the two of you share DNA.

Alternatively, if you test with MyHeritage your friend can transfer her results from 23andMe to MyHeritage so you can compare your results there. Depending on when your friend tested at 23andME she may be able to transfer here results to FamilyTreeDNA. Details about which sites accept which transfers are in the blog.

Tom

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you for the detailed report. Do you know if 23andMe can provide a health report to Australian Residence?
Or if not, how can someone in Australia (me) get the complete DNA results, Ancestry and Health, not necessary with 23andMe.
Thank you.

Craig Smith

Hi Tom

23andMe health reports are not available in Australia.

DNA raw data from the main test providers can be uploaded to a site called Promethease (https://promethease.com/) which will provide a report comparing your DNA genotypes to published scientific findings for US$5.

Micaela Ynostrosa

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This has been the best answers I have ever gotten. I don’t want a company,or third party company to sell my DNA. That’s a concern of mine. I also don’t want pharmaceutical companies to use it either.
Thanks,for all you do.

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